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Planning a family getaway, a romantic escape or simply meandering up the coast? Lake Macquarie offers accommodation from absolute indulgence to budget-friendly. Contact us to book your holiday accommodation

Lake Macquarie Visitor Itineraries: Watagan Adventure

Morning: Kayaking on Dora Creek

Start the day off at the foothills of the Watagan Mountains. Dora Creek is the largest tributary flowing into Lake Macquarie and a great location for kayaking. Enthusiastic paddlers can kayak upstream to Cooranbong and novices can explore the Dora Creek locality. Kayak hire and tours are available from Lake Macquarie Kayak and Bike Hire, a mobile service that will conveniently meet you wherever you desire around Lake Macquarie.

Lunch: Picnic

The riverbanks of Dora Creek are a lovely location for a picnic lunch. Sit in the shade and enjoy a well-deserved rest after kayaking, you can even feed the resident ducks.

If you still have energy to burn, instead travel to the nearby Watagans National Park before fuelling your body at the Boarding House Dam Picnic Area. There are picnic tables and free gas and electric BBQs for your use. After lunch, warm up for your hike this afternoon by completing the short loop track along Boarding House Creek, taking in the spectacular mossy rock wall along the way.

Afternoon: Bushwalking

The Watagan Mountains are the place for bushwalking in Lake Macquarie. Choose from a number of different trails, all varying in length and difficulty. One of the most impressive trails leads through rainforest gullies and clusters of Illawarra Flame Trees to Gap Creek Falls, a sheer 40m drop over a curved cliff face. See our Walking Trails Guide for more information.

Evening: Camp Out

For the ultimate Watagans adventure, spend a night under the stars at one of the rustic campsites located in the National Park. Top the day off by toasting marshmallows on a campfire, a touch of luxury amidst your beautiful bushland setting.

Organised Activities:

AAA Horseriding & More: Specialising in quality horse riding, toddlers will love the hand-led pony rides, whilst children and adults can go on trail rides through the Watagan rainforest. Lengths vary from one hour to overnight horse trekking.

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Welcome to Lake Macquarie

Relax here in beautiful accommodation and escape from the fast pace of life in whatever setting you prefer - beach, lake or mountain. The city’s centrepiece is a vast blue water expanse, twice the size of Sydney Harbour.